There’s no need to settle for a stock rifle. We have the AR-15 parts and accessories you need to make your rifle hum. Versatile. Reliable. These are the most important attributes that AR-15 supporters will cite as reasons they support the gun. You are right, but if you dig deeper, another reason for the platform’s popularity emerges. Customization.Modular in design, there isn’t a creek or crevasse that can’t be tinkered with to perfection. Tom Wolf might have said that the AR-15 is the Kandy-Kolored Tangerine Streamline Baby of the 21st Century. Every rifle can be used as a fighter, hunter, plinker, match gun or whatever else you might need. Your fate is in your hands. There is a veritable sea out there of AR-15 parts and accessories. It would be a good idea to point you in the right direction. This is what we are trying to do. Now, you want to take it to the next level. We are moving away from involved upgrades (no barrel swaps) and focusing on drop-in enhancement (for most of the time). This means that there are still some premium AR-15 parts and accessories. This is your first attempt at upgrading your gun. AR-15 TriggersThe trigger is the most important part of your AR-15. It’s the one that makes the difference in keeping the bullseye down the middle. The Mil-Spec trigger is a standard fire control that most rifles come with. It makes your gun go bang, but it does not improve its accuracy. This should be the first AR-15 upgrade you consider.
Timney’s Competition Trigger upgrade is a legitimate upgrade. It gives you everything you need in a single stage trigger: no pretravel, terse reset, and reliability pull after draw. Its simple drop-in design makes it easy to install. There are three pull weights available: 2-2.5 pounds, 3-3.5 lbs, and 4-4.5 lbs. You also have three bow styles: straight, skeletonized, and curvy. MSRP: $219 // timneytriggers.comCMC Single-Stage
CMC Single-Stage triggers are a true Spartan. They shine where it matters–performance. A positive reset is a great feature that speeds up the pace once one masters trigger control. It ticks all the boxes that you need in a single-stage trigger. You can choose from a flat or curve bow, and pull weights ranging from 2.5 to 6 pounds. MSRP: $196 // cmctriggers.comGeissele Single-Stage Precision
Geissele’s Single Stage Precision is predictable and can withstand rough handling. The downside is that you are limited in pull weight, ranging from 3 to 3.5 pounds. You have the option of a straight or curved bow. MSRP: $240 // geissele.comRise Armament, RA-434 High Performance Trigger
The RA-434 is a top-quality vehicle that comes at a mid-tier price. The internal parts have a nickel-boron-coated self-lubricating nickel-boron coating that gives it a smooth pull. The bow architecture allows for intuitive finger placement. MSRP: $179 // risearmament.comHiperfire AR-15-EDT
Hiperfire’s enhanced duty triggers are best known for their high-end competition triggers. However, they cost a fraction of what they cost. They’re still comparable to the rest of the company’s catalog. You can adjust the weight of your pull from 4.5 to 5.25 pounds with replaceable springs. A powerful hammer spring ensures that each trigger pull is solid. MSRP: $99 // hiperfire.comTwo-Stage AR-15 TriggersLaRue Tactical MBT
MBT stands to Meticulously Built Trigger. It’s a very accurate name. This drop-in, two-stage trigger from LaRue Tactical, made from S7 tool metal, offers a lot for a very affordable price. Two trigger springs are included with each MBT, one 4.5-pound and the other six-pound. Every purchase comes with a replacement hammer, trigger pins, and a replacement trigger pin. This is in case your lower doesn’t work with the MBT straight out of the box. MSRP: $99 // Larue.comCMC AR-15 2-Stage Trigger
Another one of CMC’s drop in marvels. Clear walls give the trigger a great definition, while the trigger’s break is crisp and quick. It works fast when you need it. Available with breaks ranging from 3 to 5 lbs and straight or curved bows. MSRP: $240 // cmctriggers.comTimney AR-15 Targa
The Targa is a very affordable Timney option. It defines what you want from a two-stage trigger. There are pull weights ranging from 2 to 4 pounds. There is an option for almost every shooter. A more vertically curved bow allows for proper finger placement. MSRP: $199 // timneytriggers.comGeissele 2 Stage (G2S) Trigger
G2S is a cost-effective option that offers performance improvement and defined stages. The G2S takes around 3 pounds to take up, and then breaks down at a very brief 1.5 pounds. Short reset gets your next shot downrange fast. MSRP: $165 // geissele.comAR-15 HandguardManufacturing costs decreasing over the years, a stock rifle is likely to have a better handguard or rail system then in the past. The factory-installed model might not be the best for your AR-15. Even though it’s not free-floated, or has no accessory attachment points, you might find that the factory-installed model doesn’t bring out the best from your AR-15. Free-float handguards are light and easy to install.
The MOE is a simple, reliable handguard that does the job better than any other drop-in handguard. Magpul has many M-Lok slots for accessory attachment. It’s strong and heat resistant, making it a top-quality polymer option. MSRP: Starting at $37 // magpul.comBravo Company BCMGUNFIGHTER PKMR
This is a simple option with lots of functionality, but it’s not the most elegant. It is as slim as a second. BCM chose KeyMod attachment points, which is a bit of a twist. They are not as common at M-Lok but they are still very useful. The polymer handguard is rugged and heat resistant. It also has reinforced sides. MSRP: $40 // bravocompanyusa.comFree-Float HandguardAero Precision AR15 Atlas R-One
Aero’s Atlas R-One handguard is lightweight and slim. It has a full-length toprail and lots of attachment points. M-Lok and Keymod options can be chosen so you don’t feel restricted. Available in 7-, 9, 12-, and 15-inch lengths. MSRP: Starting at $150 // aeroprecisionusa.comBCM MCMR
BCM is a solid option if you feel you need a rail that is recognizable and likes what real operators use. Their MCMR series offers many sizes to choose from. These free-float rails, made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy are lightweight, strong, and offer plenty of M-LOK real-estate. There are MCMR rails available for almost every build, and they come in 7- to 8-, 9- or 10-inch versions. MSRP: Starting at $171.95 // bravocompanyusa.comBrownell’s Wrenchmen Handguards
Brownell’s in-house branding is both high quality and affordable. It also comes with a company’s lifetime guarantee that it will be returned no matter what. The aluminum handguard comes with a full-length top rail that is M-Lok compatible. There are three length options: 10.5, 12.6, and 15 inches. MSRP: Starting at $124 // Brownells.comBolt Carrier GroupThe heartbeat of your AR-15, your bolt carrier group (BCG), is one of the most important components. There are three main BCG designs in use today: AR-15 BCG: Deeper cut towards the rear of bolt, lower overall weight.
M-16 BCG: Shallower cut towards the rear of bolt, more mass. This will not make your AR-15 fully-auto.
BCGs that are lightweight or low-mass: Made from lightweight materials such as titanium to increase the AR-15’s cycle-rate. It is important to note that it will need other upgrades in order to function reliably. The most common BCGs are the AR-15 and M-16. A gun can function reliably with either if it is well made. Shooters tend to prefer M-16 BCGs, arguing that they are more reliable. Low-mass BCGs are not a good choice for basic upgrades. They are more popular than the ones that are available. We’ll then focus on the AR-15 and M-16 versions.
Aero’s BCG meets all Mil-Spec requirements and is HPT tested/MPI certified. It is available with or without Aero’s logo and comes with a phosphate coating. MSRP: $150 // aeroprecisionusa.comDaniel Defense M16 Bolt Carrier Group
Daniel Defense is a great name and has a long manufacturing history. They deliver a ready-to-go Mil-Spec BCG. Although you’ll be paying more, it is likely that it will last as long your rifle. MSRP: $217 // danieldefense.comSpikes Tactical M16 5.56 Nickel Boron Bolt Carrier Group
All the Mil-Spec goodness with a nickel-boron finishing. This makes it easier and more comfortable to clean. Plus, shiny! MSRP: $225 // spikestactical.comMuzzle Brakes, Flash Hiders And CompensatorsUnless you reside in a draconian state where muzzle devices are verboten, these handy little AR-15 parts give your gun a notable edge, depending on your ends.Muzzle Brake: Work by using expanding gas to reduce felt recoil, not necessarily muzzle rise.
Flash Hider: Reduces muzzle flash caused still-burning powder leaving the barrel behind the bullet.
Compensator: This uses expanding gases to reduce muzzle rising, but not necessarily recoil. Stock guns typically come with an A2 flashhider, affectionately called a “birdcage”. This is a great option if you just need to reduce your rifle’s visual signature and keep your line-of-sight clear. The muzzle brake and compensators are responsible for improving shot-to-shot accuracy. There is a tradeoff: both increase your rifle’s reports. Seekins Precision ATC Muzzle Brake
Refuse is easily absorbed by front-facing ports. The ATC is easy to install and time with thanks to the use of a knurled nuts instead of a crush washer. MSRP: $89 // seekinsprecision.comStrike Industries JCOMP
It’s a riff of the Type 89 compensator that was used on the Japanese Howa Type 89 rifle. Double-chamber design reduces muzzle rise and recoil. The muzzle flash can also be reduced by the slots at the fore. MSRP: $44 // strikeindustries.com/Faxon MuzzLok Ported Flash Hider
Faxon’s Muzzlock is easy to install and takes very little time. It cuts down flash significantly once it is installed. It’s also very affordable. MSRP: $60 // faxonfirearms.comAR-15 Charging HandleOne of the easiest AR-15 upgrades, the charging handle is also a fairly minor improvement. There are many options that can be used to replace the factory-installed battery on your gun. There are also options for lefties, such as the Strike Industries Extended Latch Charging Handle
Your AR will be easier to use because there is more latch to grab. There are many colors to choose from. MSPR: $44 // strikeindustries.comRadian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
This upgrade to the AR-15 Standby is a nice option for lefties. It also has a rugged charging handle. It’s an AR-15 quality part. MSRP: $90 // radianweapons.comBCM Gunfighter MOD 4
The Gunfighter MOD 4’s simple design makes it easy to use your rifle. If required, the Gunfighter MOD 4 can be equipped with ambidextrous latches. MSRP: $54 // bravocompanymfg.comAR-15 SlingsDivergent opinions aside–some love and others hate slinging AR-15s–it remains one of the most convenient ways to tote around your gun. An entire article is dedicated to AR-15 slings. It covers how to attach them, and how to use them to the best of our knowledge. There are three main styles of slings: one-point, two point and three point. Two-point slings are most popular due to their simplicity and ability for quick movement. We’ll focus on them. Magpul MS4 Dual QDM Sling
Magpul comes with a quick-detach system that you can customize to your liking. The sling is adaptable and can be used in a single-point configuration. The sling has a quick adjustment system that allows for quick transitions to weak-side shots. MSRP: $65 // magpul.comBlue Force Vickers Sling
The Vickers Sling, which was developed by industry legend Larry Vickers is still revolutionary. The two-point system allows for quick adaptations, especially to weak-side shooting. The rapid adjustment system can also be cinched up for control and comfort when not in use. MSRP: $55 // blueforcegear.comAdam Borisenko contributed to this article.NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDSThis impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains62 printable targetsfor rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Get Free Targets
